Ergonomic backpack

ABSTRACT

A pressure relief system for a bag including a backplate having a first end and a second end, opposing front and back sides, first and second sides, and a central region between the first and second sides. A first strap is mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the first side. A second strap is mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the second side. The first strap and the second strap cross one another on the back side of the backplate between the first end and the second end. The first strap and the second strap exert a force on the back side of the backplate where the first strap and the second strap cross one another.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/610,017, filed Dec. 22, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any figures, tables, and drawings.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Aspects of the disclosed subject matter include a bag such as a backpack engineered to include concepts in orthotics to improve a wearer's posture and to give relief to a wearer from stress and strain created from standard backpacks on the market today.

BACKGROUND

More than 80% of humans experience neck or lower back pain at some point in their lives due to poor posture. One of the main reasons for this is the standard backpack B, as depicted in FIG. 1, has not been re-engineered for decades.

Backpacks designed according to the present disclosure improve the postural health of wearers and help prevent posture-related health issues that occur due to the continual use of the outdated product design of the modern-day backpack.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a pressure relief system for a bag includes a backplate having a first end and a second end, opposing front and back sides, first and second sides, and a central region between the first and second sides. A first strap is mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the first side and a second strap mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the second side. The first strap and the second strap cross one another on the back side of the backplate between the first end and the second end. The first strap and the second strap exert a force into the back side of the backplate where the first strap and the second strap cross one another.

In some embodiments, the first strap and the second strap exert forces on the shoulders of a user of the bag that counteracts the force into the back side of the backplate.

In some embodiments, the backplate is curved along a spline within a central plane.

In some embodiments, a first strap release is mounted to the backplate, through which the first strap passes and a second strap release is mounted to the backplate through which the second straps passes, where the first and second strap releases each have a locked configuration in which movement of the first strap and the second strap is restricted to a single direction.

In some embodiments, the first and second strap releases each comprise a release pull that allow the first strap and the second strap to move in two directions.

In some embodiments, the backplate is symmetrical about the central plane.

In some embodiments, the backplate also includes a lower back extension between the second end and where the first strap and the second strap cross one another on the back side of the backplate.

In some embodiments, the first strap releasably mates with the second strap spaced apart from the cross.

In some embodiments, the backplate flexes to provide increased comfort.

In some embodiments, the backplate has a shape and/or a size that is adjustable.

In some embodiments, a chest strap releasably secures to the first strap and the second strap between the mounting points of each of the first strap and the second strap on the backplate and the cross.

In one embodiment, a method of securing a bag to a user's back to promote pressure relief includes: mounting a first strap and a second strap to a firm backplate; passing the first strap and the second strap around a first and second shoulder, respectively, of the user; wrapping the first strap and the second strap around a back side of the backplate; and crossing the first strap and the second strap on the back side of the backplate. The first strap and the second strap generate forces on the first and second shoulders, respectively, that counteract a force generated where the first strap crosses the second strap on the back side of the backplate.

In some embodiments, the method also includes locking the first strap and the second strap in position on the backplate after crossing the first strap and the second strap.

In some embodiments, the method also includes adjusting the backplate to fit the user.

In some embodiments, the method also includes releasably mating the first strap to the second strap after crossing the first strap and the second strap.

In some embodiments, the method also includes buckling a chest strap releasably secured to the first shoulder and second shoulder after crossing the first strap and the second strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative view of a user wearing a prior art backpack;

FIG. 2A depicts an illustration of a user's spine when wearing the prior art backpack;

FIG. 2B depicts an illustration of a user's spine when wearing a backpack according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A depicts a backplate incorporated into a backpack according to the present disclosure with the backpack omitted for clarity;

FIG. 3B depicts the backplate of FIG. 3A after the user has tightened the straps;

FIG. 4 depicts the front side of a backpack according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 depicts the back side of a backpack according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A depicts the front side of a backplate according to the present disclosure including a strap release;

FIG. 6B depicts the back side of the backplate of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 6C depicts a partial isometric view of a strap release according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the various embodiments depicted in the Figures, bags such as backpacks 10 according to the disclosed subject matter give the user perfect posture with a simple design.

FIG. 2A depicts a user with a traditional prior art backpack B, contrasted with a backpack 10 designed according to the present disclosure depicted in FIG. 2B. The traditional backpack B places the weight behind the user and below his or her center of gravity, causing natural bends at the hips H, shoulders S, and neck N. The backpack 10, in comparison, promotes a straight extension at the hips H, shoulders S, and neck N.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict backplate 20, which is integrated into the backpack 10 (omitted for clarity). Two straps 32, 34 are mounted to a first end 22 of the backplate 20. The straps 32, 34 pass around the user and under each arm to form a cross 24 adjacent to a second end 26. In the depicted embodiment, the backplate 20 continues beyond the cross 24 to provide further support for the user. When the straps 32, 34 are pulled, two opposing forces simultaneously occur to bring the user's spine into optimal alignment. While the straps 32, 34 pull the shoulders S back it naturally expands the user's chest, the straps 24, 26 crossing on the back side of backplate 20 gently pushes backplate 20 into the user's spine. These opposing forces bring the backpack 10 close to the user's center of gravity and helps the stress transfer from the user's shoulders S and spine to the user's hips H, which is where more weight should be handled. In some embodiments, the backplate 20 uses military-grade components, extremely durable spinal-fitting plastic, and premium mountain-gear webbing and cords to combine increased functionality with elegant design. In some embodiments, the backplate 20 is cushioned for comfort. In the depicted embodiment, the backplate 20 is defined by a curve or spline within a central plane P_(C). In some embodiments, the backplate 20 is symmetrical about the central plane P_(C).

Backpacks according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter incorporate a three-point pressure system. This three-point pressure system occurs when three forces are applied to a segment, i.e., a user's body, with a single primary force applied between two additional counter forces and the sum of the vectors of all three forces equals zero. This concept allows ideal alignment of the spine to be maintained while allowing tension to transfer from a user's lower back to the abdominals, which allows for optimal muscle activation.

FIG. 4 depicts the front side of a backpack 10 according to the present disclosure. Two buckles 12 releasably secure a main flap 14 in the depicted closed state. Supplementary pocket 16 is sealed with a zipper or the like and there are side pockets 18 on either side of the backpack 10. In the depicted embodiment, the side pockets 18 are mesh.

FIG. 5 depicts the back of a backpack 10 according to the present disclosure. A release pull (string 45) of a strap release 33 (depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C) penetrates the back side of the fabric of the backpack 10. This allows a user to tighten the first and second straps 32, 34 and then easily pull the release string 45 to open the strap lock 41 (depicted in FIG. 6C). In some embodiments, mirrored strap releases 33A, 33B (not depicted) are included for the first and second straps 32, 34, respectively. In the depicted embodiment, a chest strap 35 is secured to both the first strap 32 and the second strap 34. The depicted chest strap 35 contains a releasable member 37 in the form of a buckle. In some embodiments, the first strap 32 and the second strap 34 each terminate in complementary releasable members (not depicted) that allow the end of the first strap 32 to releasably engage the end of the second strap 34. In the depicted embodiment, a padded lumbar support 21 provides additional improvements to the ergonomics of the backpack 10. In some embodiments, the lumbar support 21 is adjustable and/or removeably.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the ends of straps 32 and 34 are shown hanging next to the padded lumbar support. Pulling on the ends of the straps tightens the straps. Pulling on the end on the left of the bag tightens the shoulder strap on the opposite side and vice versa. When both straps are tightened, the backplate is pressed into the back of the user, while the shoulder straps pull back on the shoulders of the user. Releasing the tension on the straps is accomplished in this embodiment by pulling the release pull 45.

FIG. 6A depicts the front side of the backplate 20 and the engagement of strap release 33 with first strap 32. Referring to FIG. 6B, the depicted strap release 33 is fixed to the back side of backplate 20. In the embodiment shown, strap release 33 is a cam buckle. FIG. 6C depicts the strap release 33 in greater detail. A strap lock 41 rotates about a base 43 to engage the first strap 32 to only allow movement along the direction of arrow L. When the user pulls on the release pull 45 (in this embodiment, a string) the strap lock 41 rotates to disengage the first strap 32 and allow movement of the first strap 32 within the base 43 in two directions (depicted by double-ended arrow M in FIG. 6C).

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A pressure relief system for a bag, comprising: a backplate having a first end and a second end, opposing front and back sides, first and second sides, and a central region between the first and second sides; a first strap mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the first side; and a second strap mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the second side; wherein the first strap and the second strap cross one another on the back side of the backplate between the first end and the second end; and wherein the first strap and the second strap exert a force into the back side of the backplate where the first strap and the second strap cross one another.
 2. The pressure relief system of claim 1, wherein the first strap and the second strap exert forces on the shoulders of a user of the bag that counteracts the force into the back side of the backplate.
 3. The pressure relief system of claim 1, wherein the backplate is curved along a spline within a central plane.
 4. The pressure relief system of claim 3, further comprising a first strap release mounted to the backplate and through which the first strap passes and a second strap release mounted to the backplate and through which the second straps passes, wherein the first and second strap releases each have a locked configuration in which movement of the first strap and the second strap is restricted to a single direction.
 5. The pressure relief system of claim 4, further comprising that the first and second strap releases each comprise a release pull that allow the first strap and the second strap to move in two directions.
 6. The pressure relief system of claim 2, wherein the backplate is symmetrical about the central plane.
 7. The pressure relief system of claim 1, wherein the backplate further comprises a lower back extension between the second end and where the first strap and the second strap cross one another on the back side of the backplate.
 8. The pressure relief system of claim 1, wherein the first strap releasably mates with the second strap spaced apart from the cross.
 9. The pressure relief system of claim 1, wherein the backplate flexes to provide increased comfort.
 10. The pressure relief system of claim 1, wherein the backplate has a shape and/or a size that is adjustable.
 11. The pressure relief system of claim 1, further comprising a chest strap releasably secure to the first strap and the second strap between the mounting points of each of the first strap and the second strap on the backplate and the cross.
 12. The pressure relief system of claim 1, further comprising that the first
 13. A method of securing a bag to a user's back to promote pressure relief, the method comprising: mounting a first strap and a second strap to a firm backplate; passing the first strap and the second strap around a first and second shoulder, respectively, of the user; wrapping the first strap and the second strap around a back side of the backplate; and crossing the first strap and the second strap on the back side of the backplate; wherein the first strap and the second strap generate forces on the first and second shoulders, respectively, that counteract a force generated where the first strap crosses the second strap on the back side of the backplate.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising locking the first strap and the second strap in position on the backplate after crossing the first strap and the second strap.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising adjusting the backplate to fit the user.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising releasably mating the first strap to the second strap after crossing the first strap and the second strap.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising buckling a chest strap releasably secured to the first shoulder and second shoulder after crossing the first strap and the second strap. 